News

Opening statements scheduled for Moreno Valley School Board Member suspected of rape, pimping and pandering

Lori Fowler, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Posted:
01/29/2013 04:59:41 PM PST

Updated:
01/29/2013 05:00:12 PM PST

Opening statements are scheduled Wednesday for the Moreno Valley School Board Member suspected of rape, pimping and pandering.

Mike Luis Rios, 42, of Moreno Valley has been charged with 35 felonies involving six victims - two who are underaged girls, according to a news release from the Riverside County District Attorney's office.

In addition to rape, pimping and pandering, Rios is charged with filing false insurance claims.

Officials allege that Rios used a variety of means to persuade four women and two girls to work as prostitutes for him, according to the news release.

"He told at least one woman that he was a member of the Moreno Valley school board and asked her if she needed a job. Another woman answered an Internet advertisement for a job," according to the news release. "Rios offered one of the juvenile girls the use of his Hummer vehicle if she would work for him. He met the other juvenile through an Internet ad she had placed for prostitution and Rios offered her the use of his vehicle and his house if she would work for him."

The trial will be held at the Riverside Superior Courthouse.

Rios also has another case pending, in which he is charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and influencing testimony by bribe, according to the news release. The next scheduled hearing for that case is Feb. 8.